Alarm Monitoring

Although any licensed alarm technician may attach your alarm system to our monitoring service, you may want to call SWRCC for assistance first. Your current alarm service company employs licensed technicians capable of re-programming your system to report to the SWRCC alarm monitoring service and you may find this the easiest way to accomplish the task. (There will be a fee for this conversion.)

You or your alarm technician may download the Customer Account Information form posted on our website to facilitate this conversion.

The Customer Account Information report not only allows the SWRCC to know your monitoring preferences, but also it provides the alarm technician the appropriate programming information to enable us to setup your monitoring account. When the technician completes the form and contacts the SWRCC, we will take that last step to activate your account.

The SWRCC is proud to announce we have identified local alarm service providers that would be happy to help you transition your system to the SWRCC alarm monitoring system. These are independent businesses, and they are not employed by the cities of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, or Duncanville. Additionally, any licensed alarm service provider can easily assist if you prefer.

After obtaining an alarm permit, please contact SWRCC and we will schedule a licensed service provider to re-program your alarm panel or you may contact your own. The alarm service provider will then contact SWRCC with the appropriate information necessary to activate your account.

Typical re-reprogramming fees are $135.00, which is paid directly to the alarm service provider. Upon activation of the account, SWRCC provides a $75.00 credit towards future monthly monitoring fees to offset this initial expense. Installation of cellular system monitoring is based on the customers current alarm system and will incur additional costs. Our licensed service providers will be happy to provide you with a quote for this additional equipment.

The alarm monitoring fee is $25.00 per month for traditional telephone alarm monitoring. We also offer cellular backup to your traditional system, in case your telephone line is cut or out of service, for $30.00 a month; and a fully cellular system for $35.00 a month for residents that no longer want traditional home telephone service. You can be billed monthly, quarterly, or annually. Just indicate your preference on your contract.

Because one timely step has been removed from traditional monitoring service, assistance to your emergency will be faster. We have a professional and trained staff that knows how to respond when an alarm gets triggered.

A permit is required by city ordinance regardless of the alarm monitoring company. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to stay current on the annual permit renewal requirements. Call 972-230-9628 for information on obtaining a permit.

Animal Shelter

Animal Shelters can be difficult places for some people to go because of the barks, smells, and it is often very busy. You will see animals that are available for adoption and those that are not. Our staff will have plenty of information for you to help you through the process of adopting a new pet or finding a lost pet.

Initially we hold animals for a minimum of 72 hours. After that time they are evaluated for adoption. Once an animal goes up for adoption we try to hold on to him as long as possible. There is, however, no set amount of time that any animal will stay available for adoption.

All animals adopted or reclaimed from the Tri-City Animal Shelter & Adoption Center will be required to be microchipped. The fee for this is $25 and includes free registration with the national microchip company, AVID.A microchip is a permanent form of identification, as long the chip is registered, and the registration is kept up to date. The registration information will be filled out prior to leaving with the pet and the shelter will mail it in to the company.

The goal of requiring the pets to be microchipped is twofold:

Increase the number of pets that are reunited with their owners, andIncrease the responsibility of pet owners who continue to allow their pets to run at large.

If you have any questions about microchips, please feel free to contact the shelter.

There is no guarantee that an animal will go up for adoption. Evaluation can take several days and animals can not be evaluated until their stray hold is up. Some animals will not be evaluated for the adoption program at all if they show any signs of aggression.

You must be 18 years old and have a valid Texas Driver’s License. The adoption fee is variable. You must sign an agreement to have the animal spayed or neutered, and to have it vaccinated for rabies. All adopted animals must also be microchipped.

First of all, look at your lifestyle. Is it fast paced or laid back? Are you allergic to cats and/or dogs? Do you live in a house with a backyard or perhaps an apartment? These are just a few things that you should consider before adopting an animal.

Building Inspections

Yes, for gas water heaters. The open flame of the pilot light of a gas water heater is a source of ignition for flammable or combustible vapors, such as gasoline, that may have accumulated along the garage floor. The 18-inch elevation is intended to keep ignition sources above these vapors that are heavier than air and settle to the garage floor. Electric water heaters are not required by code to be elevated above the garage floor.

Typically projects like fences, portable buildings, water heater replacement, room additions, carports and swimming pools are the most common projects that will affect homeowners. Permits and inspections are required for these types of projects.

A building permit application along with building construction plans are required to be submitted to the Building Inspections Department. Staff is available to assist when applying for a building permit.

A building inspection is required before any part of the construction is concealed and at the completion of the project. Work involving mechanical, electrical, plumbing, framing and insulation must be inspected prior to concealing.

Excavation, demolition, erection, alteration or repair of any building in or adjacent to a residential area other than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. without heavy equipment on Sundays, is prohibited, with the exception, as approved by the Building Inspections Department, of conditions of urgent necessity or conditions that are in the best interest of public safety.

Building codes regulate the trades of building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fuel gas and energy conservation. Zoning is a local control tool that regulates open space, building setbacks and heights, and how the land can be used.

Yes... The City of DeSoto requires all contractors to register annually. Please contact the Building Inspections Department at 972.230.9610 for additional information on contractor registration. Contractor registration applications

The City of DeSoto has adopted the 2009 International Codes, which includes the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFCG), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), and the International Fire Code (IFC). The 2011 National Electrical Code (NEC) is the adopted electrical code. The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) recommended amendment package for the 2011 International Codes has also been adopted by the City of DeSoto. Amendment Package

A Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) is a document required by the building code to operate a commercial business within the City of DeSoto. When a commercial structure is in compliance with all building, fire and health codes and the proposed business use is allowed by the zoning regulations, the building official is authorized to sign and issue a Certificate of Occupancy. Certificate of Occupancy applications are available on-line.

The Certificate of Occupancy must be posted in a prominent place on the premises and shall not be removed except by the building official. A new Certificate of Occupancy is required when ownership changes or a new business occupies the premises.

The type of inspection will vary from business to business, according to the nature of the proposed use and activity in the building. However, the following is a list of the most frequently encountered areas of non-compliance found during a Certificate of Occupancy inspection.

1. The building must be unlocked at the time of inspection. It is not required that someone is present as long as access to the space is available.

2. The address number, including suite numbers, must be posted on the front and back of the building. Address numbers must also be posted on the electric meter and gas meter.

3. All required exit doors must be able to be opened without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort from the egress side.

4. Appropriate exit signs must be in place and code compliant.

5. No open electrical wiring is allowed. All junction boxes, outlets and switches must have covers in place. Breaker panels must be labeled and contain circuit breakers or blanks in each breaker position.

6. Area around equipment and electrical panels must be kept clear for a distance of 36 inches.

7. Parking lots must contain the number of spaces required by the City of DeSoto Zoning Ordinance, including a minimum of one van-accessible parking space, with appropriate signage, and wheelchair curb ramp.

8. All plumbing drain openings without an approved P-trap must be plugged or capped in a permanent condition.

9. Restaurants using fryers require a Type I hood with an automatic fire extinguishing system and must be inspected prior to the release of the Certificate of Occupancy.

10. Sprinkler heads that are a component of a required automatic sprinkler system are not to be painted, obstructed, or used for support of any decorative material. An 18-inch clearance must be maintained between any storage and a sprinkler head.

Graduates are invited to join the DeSoto Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association and continue their education and association with the police department. Those completing the Academy are also eligible to join the Citizens On Patrol (COP) group and become "extra eyes and ears" for the police.

City Manager

The Employee Recognition Program was created to applaud City employees who extend the great service that all our customers deserve. We define great service as above-and-beyond the call of duty – service that can be tied to these important attributes: Pride, Accountability, Initiative, Teamwork, Embracing Change, and Outrageous (Unbelievable!) Customer Service.

Commendations can be e-mailed to lstallings@ci.desoto.tx.us or by phone at 972.230.9694.

Click on Notice of Claim Form; complete the form, have it notarized, attach supporting documentation as applicable, then mail or deliver to

Lora Stallings City of DeSoto 211 East Pleasant Run Road DeSoto, Texas 75115

In order to expedite your claim, you may also fax the completed form to 972.230.5793, but the original form must be mailed or delivered to the above address.

Note: The City Charter mandates that a claim must be filed with the City within 180 days of the date of loss. The City is not permitted to accept claims for losses more than 180 days old.Notice of Claim Form

Time Warner Cable is the only cable provider that operates within the city limits of DeSoto. An alternative to cable television is satellite television. There are numerous satellite providers, which can be found on the Internet or in your local telephone directory.

Channel 16 for Time Warner Cable subscribers broadcasts all city council meetings and planning & zoning meetings live and taped rebroadcasts at 7 p.m. Tapes of school board meetings are broadcast at 7 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays following the Monday meetings.

Code Enforcement

Yes, City Ordinances require that weeds and grass be kept below 12 inches in height, and that trimmings are not allowed to accumulate in any gutter, street, sidewalk, alley or any other public or private property.

Code Enforcement Officers issue a notice to the property owner to mow within seven (7) days. If the condition remains seven (7) days after receipt of the letter, the City will have the property mowed and bill the owner. If the owner fails to pay mowing charges, a lien will be placed against the property.

Criminal Investigation Division

If a non-arrest case, complainant will need to contact detective assigned to case and depending on degree of offense an affidavit of non-prosecution possibly can be filled out. If the case is an arrest case the complainant will have to contact the District Attorney’s office.

The turn around time is dependent upon many factors, and cannot be simplified into a definitive amount of time. The turn around time is contingent upon the submitted plans being complete with all the required items to help us complete a thorough review.

In the past, city staff has come out to look at situations such as this. These situations are civil matters between the property owners. It does not violate city code for one lot to drain onto another, and you should try to perform work on your lot to help your yard drain more efficiently. It is against state code to divert or concentrate runoff, or block runoff from draining onto your property. We advise that you meet with your neighbor and discuss the problem to work toward a mutually agreeable solution. If this is not possible, consider grading swales on your property to convey the runoff around your home. Swales are depressions similar to wide shallow ditches that will collect runoff and take it to a more desirable area, typically the street. If swales are graded, care should be taken to ensure that grass is established so that they do not immediately fill up with silt. Occasionally, area drains may be considered. However, we do not generally recommend them for surface flow situations. Area drains typically do not have the capacity to handle the volume of runoff that is threatening to flood a home, and must be frequently cleaned of leaves and debris to function properly.

Fire Department

Must be between 21 - 35 years of age at the time of appointment as a firefighter.

Must be a United States citizen.

Must have a copy of High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Must provide proof of certification as a basic Firefighter, as established by Texas Commission on Fire Protection, and must be fully certified with the Texas Department of State Health Services or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians as an Emergency Medical Technician Basic OR provide proof of certification as a Paramedic (must provide a Paramedic Certificate issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians) prior to entrance examination.

DeSoto Fire Rescue generally tests every six months or until the current list has expired. You may sign up to be notified of the next civil service exam by filling out a job interest card. Job Interest

DeSoto Fire Rescue administers a test covering your basic Math and Reading Skills. We suggest that you study as if you were taking a College Entrance Exam. No study guide is available. Check with your local library for practice tests or other study material.

Applicants will need to be prepared to stay all day. After the examination and a break, if weather permits, the physical agility test (PAT) will be administered to some/all of applicants passing the written examination.

If time and weather do not permit giving the PAT to the applicants who pass the civil service examination, another date and time will be set and the applicants notified. Individuals with disabilities who will need reasonable accommodation in order to complete a test must contact the Civil Service Director at 972.230.9639 prior to the scheduled test date. Documentation supporting the need for accommodation will be required.

The City of DeSoto does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.

Library

Anyone in one of the following categories may have a library card free of charge (with driver's license and proof of address which includes a rental or lease agreement, voter's registration card, car insurance, and/or utility bill, etc):

1. Residents or owners of real or personal property in the City of DeSoto, Texas.2. Employees of the City of DeSoto, Texas.3. TexShare card holders.4. Desoto school teachers.5. Residents of Cedar Hill, Texas.

Library cards are available for a fee per household to those not in the above categories. You only need a card to check out materials. Fees are $15.00 for one year.

The Library currently has 40 Internet computers housed in two rooms for public access. If you have a valid DeSoto Library card you can access the computers (Each person using the Internet computers must have a valid DeSoto library card. "Household card" will only allow the cardholder to access the Internet, not the other members of the family). Also, if you have a wireless enabled device you can use our Wi-Fi connection. Please call 972.230.9661 for questions.

The computers are reserved on a first come, first served basis and can be used in one hour increments. Currently there is a $1.00 per hour fee for non DeSoto residents (If you have a non-resident DeSoto library card you have use of the Internet computers).

Are you sure that no one can answer it? We have a crack team of degreed librarians who love a challenge. Also, when we come up against what seems to be a brick wall, we can access librarians from around the world for assistance. Call 972.230.9661 for assistance.

You can find out what materials are in the Library by accessing the Library's on-line catalog from the computers in the Library or from any computer with Internet access. If the materials you are looking for are not available at the DeSoto Public Library, see the Reference staff for details about the Inter Library Loan Program.

Books and materials not owned by the DeSoto Public Library may be available through the Inter Library Loan process. This service is available at the Reference Desk. Inter Library Loan is not an instant service and can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks (on average) to receive an item from another library. When the item you requested is received, you will be notified and have 3 days to pick up the item. There is a $1.75 postage fee applied to each item that you request.

For more information, please contact Cynthia Velasquez at the Reference Desk 972.230.9661 or by email at: cvelasquez@ci.desoto.tx.us

Get the violation corrected within ten (10) working days from the date of your citation and provide proof to the effect.

The proof of correction of Expired Registration must show that a 20% penalty was paid to the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time the registration was renewed. If the penalty is not paid, the Court cannot dismiss the citation.

The proof of Expired Inspection must show the vehicle PASSED the inspection.

If the inspection or registration has been expired for more than 60 days you may pay the fine or request a court date.

No Drivers License or No Liability Insurance may be dismissed with proof that you had a valid license or insurance policy at the time of the offense.

My Neighborhood

The process for initiating an HOA does not have to be intimidating, but some organized steps should be used.

STEP 1: Determine the need for the association. To do so, host an informal meeting with your neighbors to see if there is a real interest in or need for the association. While it is optimum for 100% of area residents to attend the initial meeting, it is not imperative that they be present at that time. This first meeting could be among just a few or all of your neighbors.

STEP 2: Check with the Dallas County Clerk’s Office to see if the developer has filed a Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for your subdivision. You can reach the Dallas County Clerk’s Office at 214.653.7275, or at 509 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Dallas, Texas.

STEP 3: Contact Community Initiatives Manager, Tracie Hlavinka, at 972.230.9689. Tracie can schedule a meeting with your neighbors to clarify the necessary steps and the benefits of organizing an HOA.

STEP 4: Create bylaws and articles of incorporation to bring for consideration by all your members. Bylaws establish the procedures for the operation of the association. They create HOA rules for voting, financing, and control procedures. The articles of incorporation actually create a corporation if the association chooses to become incorporated.

Need a guideline for bylaws? Download this file_____

Need a guideline for articles of incorporation? Download this file_____

STEP 5: Once the articles of incorporation are complete, send two (2) copies and the $25 filing fee to the Secretary of State, Corporate Section, P.O. Box 13697, Austin, Texas 78711. Their phone number is 512.463.5555.

Neighborhood Associations with gross receipts of $5,000 or less per year are not required to file form 1023. These organizations are exempt automatically if they meet the requirements of I.R.S. section 501(c)(3).

In order to keep your Association tax-exempt status, you must ensure that:

• All assets are permanently dedicated to an exempt purpose. This means that, even upon assets of the corporation may to exempt purposes or groups. Dissolution of the group and all assets must be used or donated, no part of the net earnings or• Be used for the benefit of, or be distributed to, the members or officers.• No portion of the corporation’s assets or funds may be used to influence legislation, promote propaganda, or benefit specific political candidates.

Planning & Zoning

The Planning & Zoning Department has updated the City map, and can provide you with 11X17 copies upon request. You may also find an interactive map of the City using this link: City of DeSoto Street Map

All of the land within the City is broken into zones which allow different land uses, for example residential, office, retail, commercial and industrial. Each zoning district has a list of permitted uses. Each district also has a list of certain rules for the development of these uses which include: lot coverage, building setbacks, parking requirements, height requirements, roof pitch, building materials, signage and landscaping.

The Planning & Zoning Department has an Official Zoning Map for the City of DeSoto. This map is kept up to date and is on display in the Planning and Zoning department. If you are having problems with finding the correct zoning for a particular parcel of land, please call (972) 230-9622 for information. You may also locate the zoning for a piece of property using the link below. It is helpful if you have the address and/or legal description of the property. Zoning Information and Maps

Submit a rezoning application to the Planning & Zoning Department. The application must include a description of the property to be rezoned (site plan, legal description, metes & bounds), applicable fee, and zoning request (current zoning and change being requested).Staff will review the request and publish the appropriate public hearing notices for Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z) and City Council (both P&Z and City Council public hearings are required for zoning change requests).Prior to the zoning change being sent to P&Z, letters will be sent out to every property owner within 200 feet of the property in question notifying them of the request.Planning and Zoning meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month and City Council meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month (unless otherwise posted).The zoning change request is consider by the Planning and Zoning Commission through a public hearing and a recommendation is made to the City Council to grant the request, deny the request or grant the request with modifications. If the P&Z feels they do not have enough information to consider the request, they can postpone or table the item to allow for additional information to be furnished.The City Council must hold a public hearing prior to consideration of the item to grant the request, deny the request or grant the request with modifications. Zoning Change Application

Though we cannot tell you specifically whether or not requested zoning will be approved, the Staff can tell you about current trends in zoning throughout the City. We can also tell you what the City's Comprehensive Plan calls for in any area of town. These pieces of information can be helpful in determining whether or not zoning is likely to be supported on any given property.

The platting process is creating a legal subdivision plat. Subdivision Platting is the division of the property into legal lots that conform to the city’s specifications as provided in the Subdivision Ordinance. If utilities are required, then detailed construction plans must be submitted to the Engineering Department and approved before the preliminary plat application can be submitted to P&Z. The developer must submit preliminary plat application to the Planning & Zoning Department. The application must include the preliminary plat copies, applicable fee and tax certificates from both the City and Dallas County.The Development Review Committee (DRC) reviews the preliminary plat for site-specific issues such as utility and fire access, drainage, lot configuration and conformance to zoning regulations. When the concerns of DRC have been addressed through one revised plat, staff notifies the applicant to provide necessary copies of plats for the Planning & Zoning Commission packets.Planning and Zoning meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month and City Council meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month (unless otherwise posted).The preliminary plat is considered by the Planning & Zoning Commission and a recommendation is made to City Council to approve the preliminary plat, deny the preliminary plat or approve the preliminary plat with modifications. The City Council then takes action to approve the preliminary plat, deny the preliminary plat or approve the preliminary plat with modifications. If the preliminary plat is approved by City Council the developer can begin construction of the infrastructure. Once the infrastructure is complete and approved by the Engineering Department, the developer can submit the final plat application to the Planning & Zoning Department. The application submittal must include the final plat copies and applicable fee, and tax certificates from both the City and Dallas County.The Development Review Committee (DRC) reviews the final plat for completeness or any necessary corrections. When the concerns of DRC have been addressed, staff notifies the applicant to provide necessary copies of plats for the Planning & Zoning Commission packets.The final plat is considered by the Planning & Zoning Commission through a regular hearing to approve the final plat, deny the final plat or approve the final plat with modifications. If the final plat is approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission, the developer can provide the Planning & Zoning Department with necessary copies of plats and fees for recording the plat with Dallas County. Once the final plat has been recorded with Dallas County, the developer can apply for a building permit with the Building Inspections Department.

The Planning & Zoning Department has most of the recorded plats for the City of DeSoto. Once Plats have been approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission, City Council or staff, they are then recorded by staff at Dallas County. These plats are available to the general public. You may use the link below, drop by the Planning & Zoning Department, or call 972.230.9622 to obtain specific plats or tracts of land. Most older plats are available online through this link. Zoning Information and Maps

The Planning & Zoning Department have individual address maps of each subdivision throughout the City of DeSoto. These address maps can be found using the link below, by coming into the Planning & Zoning Department or by calling (972) 230-9622. Zoning Information and Maps

An accident report costs $6.00 whether you come in person to our location, request it by mail or purchase it on-line. All other reports cost .10 cents a page, if you come in person. If you make your request by mail the cost is .10 cents a page, cost of postage and a self addressed envelope.

Other services include: Certifying Reports is $2.00.

If the request is over 50 pages personnel charges of $15.00 an hour and overhead charges of $3.00 an hour will be charged. Copies cost .10 cents a page.

Police Department: How Do I...?

All bonds for class C misdemeanor charges (like traffic tickets) can be posted at the jail, all other charges must be posted at the county jail. We accept cash or credit cards only, no money orders. To get someone out of jail, the whole fine must be paid, or in some circumstances, the judge will allow a payment plan to be set up and release the individual. You may also go through a bond agency.

All homes and businesses that have an alarm system installed are required to have a permit from the city, even if the system is not monitored.Alarm permits can be obtained and paid for at DeSoto City Hall located at 211 E. Pleasant Run. The annual fee for a residential alarm is $25. Commercial alarms are $50. More Information

Purchasing

In order to be added to the Vendors list, go to www.publicpurchase.com to register under City of Desoto and select NIGP codes relevant to your business. You will be automatically added to our vendors’ list and you will be notified when a request is issued for your selected services/goods. publicpurchase.com

Sealed bids or request for proposals (those $50,000 or more) are advertised in major local newspapers under the legal notices section. Current bid/proposal solicitations are posted on www.publicpurchase.com. Be sure to read the bid and proposal packets thoroughly for deadlines and delivery timeframe information.

For bids less than $50,000.00, City of Desoto staff obtains written or telephone quotes by contacting at least three vendors. In accordance with Texas Government Code 791.001, City has the option of purchasing products that are on State of Texas or cooperative purchasing contracts. publicpurchase.com

Purchase prices up to $1,000.00: Quotes are not required, but good faith effort is required in obtaining best possible price.

Purchase prices of between $1,001.00 - $3,000.00: At least three (3) competitive written bids required; use of purchase order is optional.

Purchase prices of between $3,001 - $49,999.00: At least three (3) competitive written bids required; use of purchase order is required.

Purchase prices over $50,000: Sealed bidding or request for proposal process requiring Council approval and advertising in newspapers. This provision does not apply to professional services and other services exempted by law from competitive solicitation.

Sealed bids or proposals are for purchases expected to be $50,000 or more. Sealed bid documents must include a specific date and time of the bid closing and a location as to where vendor is to submit the bid. Late bids are not accepted. Sealed bids are opened publicly at a specified date, time and place as indicated in the bid document. Award of competitive sealed bids or proposals are made by the City Council during one of their regularly scheduled meetings.

Vendors should pay close attention to proposal submittal instructions in bid/RFP documents. The person or department to receive the bid/proposal must be included in the address line to ensure proper delivery either by mail or by physical delivery. It is the responsibility of vendor that bids/proposals are delivered to the right place by the specified due time.

Sealed bids or proposals are identified by marking the outside envelope “Sealed Bid” or “Proposal”. It is up to the vendor to ensure that bids/proposals are turned in on time. City of Desoto assumes no responsibility for delays caused by a courier, U.S. Post Office or any other form of delivery. No allowances are made for late bids.

Yes, bid openings are conducted for sealed bids and proposals only and are open to the public. It is the official reading of the bid or proposal and generally consists of who responded to the request. Announcement of the date, time and location of the bid opening is included in the bid documents. Questions concerning any aspect of the bids or proposals are not addressed in the bid opening.

Once bids are reviewed and evaluated, they are awarded as soon as is practical. Bid results can only be obtained after an award has been made by calling the project manager or lead department making the original bid solicitation. Contact information for the project manager or department is contained in the original bid documents.

Street Department

To request speed bumps installed in an alley, you must present a petition to the City with the location of the alley, name, address, phone number and the signatures of 90% of the residents adjacent to the alley. Contact the Action Center with any questions at 972.274.CITY

City of DeSoto policy states that streetlights can be no closer than 250 to 500 feet apart. If a light is requested, the department supervisor will study the location and provide a response on whether an additional light is needed. If a light is needed, street department personnel will work directly with homeowners and Oncor to receive appropriate permission and paperwork to install the street light.

The City of DeSoto offers a 50/50 plan: the homeowner pays half and the city pays half to have the sidewalk repaired. All sidewalks are subject to inspections to see if the repairs meet guidelines. To schedule an estimate call 972–274-CITY.

The City of DeSoto maintains all signal lights except for those located along Beckley Rd and I-35, and all signal lights along Beltline Road. The Texas Department of Transportation should be notified for repairs to these lights at 972-263-1387.

The city has a street sweeper that is constantly sweeping the streets. Arterials (Hampton Rd., Pleasant Run Rd., Wintergreen Rd., and Polk St.) will be swept every Monday and all others will be swept once a month.

The city does deliver sandbags; sandbags are delivered on a first call basis. No more than 24 sandbags will be dropped off in a year. Sandbags will not be dropped off if no problem is found. Sandbags will be dropped off curbside and to DeSoto residents only.

No. The video detection cameras on the signals at major intersections are only for the smooth operation of the traffic signals themselves. They take the place of cutting the roadway to place vehicle detection sensors under the concrete. Each camera has a processor that is programmed to cover one direction of travel for approaching vehicles. When a vehicle approaches the intersection the camera processor notes the change in the image and sends a signal to the traffic controller letting it know that it has a vehicle waitingfor a green light. The cameras are not able to take pictures and are not monitored. They are not red light cameras.

Tax Office

Yes & No. Yes, you can pay on-line using your credit or debit card. There is a 3.20% convenience fee to use a credit card. The State of Texas does not allow payment of property taxes by credit card directly because we cannot “absorb” the fees charged by the credit card companies. We use a secured third party to process our credit card payments and the convenience fee is kept by that company and your tax payment is forwarded to our office. No, we cannot swipe your card in the office, but we will be happy to assist you with the on-line transaction.

No. County Taxes are separate and are collected by the Dallas County Tax Office. They have several locations, but the closest one to DeSoto is in Duncanville at the corner of Main & Wheatland. The building is called the “Dallas County Government Building.” You can also contact the county tax office at 214-653-7811.

No. All Exemptions are filed and approved by the Dallas Central Appraisal District. You may call and request an exemption form or go on-line and print one. The forms must be notarized and our office is happy to assist you at no cost with that notarization. The DCAD phone number is 214-631-0910 or website is www.dallascad.org.

No. All the official ownership and address records are maintained by the Dallas Central Appraisal District. When you change your information with them, they provide that change to us and we update our records. The DCAD phone number is 214-631-0910 or website is www.dallascad.org.

Yes. We accept cash, checks and money orders in our office. For your safety and ours, we recommend you purchase a money order with your cash. You will be given a receipt from our office that you can keep along with your money order receipt acting as a cancelled check.

The Dallas Central Appraisal District appraises your property at 100% fair market value. Each piece of property must be re-appraised once every three years, but can be appraised every year. In May, the DCAD mails appraisal notices on each property re-appraised that year. With that notice, they provide you a protest form that you can return. In addition, you may visit the DCAD and visit with an appraiser in an informal setting. If your concerns are not met in the informal setting, you may file an official protest to see the Appraisal Review Board. To learn more about this process, contact the DCAD at 214-631-0910 or www.dallascad.org.

Yes. We encourage people to “Pay as much as you can as often as you can.” Penalties and Interest begin on February 1st each year and are charged on the outstanding balance. Therefore if a partial payment is made, the penalties will be less.

There is no cost to file any of your exemptions. If you receive a notice in the mail asking to pay for a company to file your exemption on your behalf, please contact the Dallas Central Appraisal District. There is no reason you should ever have to pay to file for an exemption.

Contact or visit DeSoto Water Utilities Monday - Friday. Provide the existing address (account must be in your name), disconnect date, and contact phone number. You will also need to provide your new DeSoto address and connection date. Service can remain on at both locations for a maximum of 10 calendar days.

You can pay your bill in person at our office, drop it in the collection box outside city hall, by mail, over the phone or over the Internet. The first time you pay over the phone or Internet you will need your account number and the PIN printed on your bill. More Information

Trash is picked up twice weekly. All residents who live west of Hampton Road have their garbage collected on Tuesdays and Fridays. All residents east of Hampton have their garbage collected on Mondays and Thursdays. Recycle bins are emptied once weekly for the whole city on Wednesdays.

There are only five holidays a year when trash is not picked up. They are: New Year's Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. All other holidays trash is collected as normal. Does a missed holiday affect the rest of the week?

Your PIN is an eight-digit number located on your printed or e-mailed bill. It is directly beneath the account number in the upper right hand corner. You will need this number as well as your 13 digit account number to sign up for online bill pay.

Water & Wastewater Department

Many customer complaints involve taste and odor issues, but these issues are some of the most difficult for a water system to address. All water has its own unique taste and odor characteristics. Like many other water suppliers, we occasionally experience taste and odor changes.

In the summer and early fall, algae in area lakes occasionally gives water an earthy taste and odor. A rotten egg smell typically occurs from a lack of oxygen in the natural or man-made reservoir storing water before it is treated. It is caused by bacterial decomposition of algae and organisms, which, when no oxygen is present, produces hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide emits a rotten egg smell.

When the naturally formed scale on the interior of the piping system is disturbed, and when turbulence with the water happens, some water discoloration may occur for several hours. The white discoloration of water usually means air is entrapped in the water. Running your faucets can usually eliminate white discoloration. If discoloration continues for an extended period of time, please notify the City of DeSoto Water/Wastewater Department. Please refer to our Taste & Odors page. Taste & Odors

The back up of sewage through the drains in your home or business is an unpleasant prospect. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your property.

If you experience a sewer backup, you will need to know if you have a cleanout in your yard. A cleanout is a 4” pipe that protrudes from the ground near your home. A cleanout is an entrance to your sewer line that City staff can use to flush any blockages from your sewer line into the sewer main. If you do not have a cleanout in your yard, you will need to contact a plumber for assistance. Please refer to our Sewer Backup page. Sewer Backups

The City's 200 plus miles of water main are buried beneath the ground surface. As a result of age, condition, environmental factors, or other problems, pipes occasionally break. We are more prone to water main breaks in the winter and spring. The extreme weather changes can cause ground shifts placing an unusual amount of stress on the water main lines.

Water main breaks are a serious problem and require immediate attention by our maintenance crews. If you notice water bubbling up through the ground, a wet area appearing during dry weather, or a loss of water pressure within a service area, please notify the City of DeSoto Water/Wastewater Department. Please refer to our Water Main Breaks page. Water Main Breaks

Applicable Permits must be acquired from the Building Inspection Department 972.230.9610, and Construction Inspection Department 972.230.9617, prior to the Water/Wastewater notification and/or performance of tap services. Utility locations are to be requested by the contractor by calling DIGTESS 1.800.344.8377 for gas, electric, telephone, and cable. For water/wastewater, call 972.230.5724. The Water/Wastewater Department should be notified seventy-two (72) hours in advance of the desired time of the tap at 972.230.5724 with lot number, block number, and physical address. Please refer to our Water & Sewer Tap Requirements page. Water & Sewer Tap

There are several reasons that could cause a homeowner or business owner to experience low water pressure at their dwelling. Here are a few examples:

• Work is being performed on the water main in the area and city crews have it shut off.• There is a water main break in the area and the resulting pressure loss is because of it.• The shut off valve at the meter is not completely open. If you have had your water shut off recently, your valve may not have been completely turned back on. Please contact our Meter Services department for assistance at 972.230.9627 and press “7”.• The service line to the meter is partially crimped.• The meter filter may be partially clogged.

The process of periodically "flushing" fire hydrants is an important preventive maintenance activity in the City of DeSoto. Although it may appear to waste water, this process is part of a routine maintenance program necessary to maintain the integrity of the water system and to continue to deliver the highest quality water possible to our customers. The flushing process may take anywhere from 20 minutes to more than 8 hours. Flushing the water system on a routine basis removes sediment from lines and keeps the entire distribution system refreshed.

As a result of the flushing procedure, residents in the immediate vicinity of the work area may experience temporary discoloration of their water. This discoloration consists primarily of harmless silt and precipitates and does not affect the safety of the water.

If you experience discoloration in your water after crews have been flushing in your neighborhood, clear the pipes in your own home by running all water faucets for a minute or two. Please refer to our Fire Hydrant Flushing page for more information. Fire Hydrant Flushing